Lex was a peak Golden Mortal both internally and externally and hadn't found the right opportunity to break through.
His body had enough energy within it to break through and he felt himself on the verge of becoming a Mortal King, however, he needed the nudge that would push him over the edge.
Lex felt as though the nudge he needed was a tough battle and the cultivators that were searching for him, weren't enough to give him the battle that he was looking for.
However, if he slaughtered them all, maybe he would draw out someone that was capable enough to give him a challenging battle and help him break through.
Returning to the surface, as soon as he did, a small group of pirates had been alerted by his presence and he was impressed by their sharp senses and alertness.
